Violence and intimidation against Angola’s opposition have raised fresh concerns over the country’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 elections.
Angola has seen a recent escalation in violence targeting the opposition party UNITA, a partner of RENEWPAC, culminating in serious incidents in Uíge on 8 August. Renew Europe has strongly condemned the crackdown and expressed its support for UNITA leader Adalberto Costa Júnior.
*RENEWPAC brings together Renew Europe and its sister liberal, centrist and democratic parties across Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP (FDP, DE), co-President of RENEWPAC, stated:
"I am deeply concerned by the serious violence reported in Uíge, Angola, on 8 August, which left 34 people injured, including 10 in critical condition, and prevented a planned political gathering from taking place.
Reports and eyewitness accounts alleging that security forces deliberately targeted UNITA President Adalberto Costa Júnior are extremely serious and require a swift, independent and impartial investigation. Any use of violence, intimidation or excessive force against political leaders, activists or citizens peacefully exercising their democratic rights is unacceptable."
With Angola heading towards its 2027 general elections, protecting democratic space must be an absolute priority. Political forces must be able to organise, assemble and campaign freely and safely, on equal terms and without intimidation or interference.
Political competition belongs at the ballot box, never in the streets through violence or coercion.
RENEWPAC is calling on the Angolan authorities to ensure a credible investigation into the events in Uíge, establish responsibility where wrongdoing occurred, provide appropriate assistance to those injured, and protect the freedoms of assembly, expression and political participation.
Angola's stability and future prosperity depend on strong democratic institutions, political pluralism and respect for fundamental freedoms. As the country enters the crucial period ahead of the 2027 elections, those principles must be protected.